South Africa – Global Practicehttp://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice
University of Denver Graduate School of Social WorkSun, 15 Jan 2017 06:16:13 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.5Ubuntuhttp://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/31/ubuntu/
http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/31/ubuntu/#respondSat, 31 Dec 2016 22:53:02 +0000http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/?p=3506more »]]>Ubuntu: I am because we are, therefore we are because I am

The Circle of Courage is a tool used by many South African Social Workers in assessments. It helps them understand their clients better as well as assist in the creation of Individual Development Plans (IDPs). In the Circle of Courage, the first quadrant represents the sense of Belonging. This sense of belonging could very much be associated with attachment and community, and those are two things that I found and felt very strongly on this trip. After only two and a half weeks I felt a stronger sense of belonging with the community and people I met in South Africa than I have in many of the other communities I have been a part of for much longer. Having a strong sense of belonging then helped me to develop myself in the other three quadrants throughout this experience: Independence, Generosity, and Mastery. Understanding where I was in my process through these four quadrants on this trip, helped me better understand where I am in the development of these four quadrants in my life and allowed me to set some goals for my personal and professional selves.

The sense of belonging that I felt, and the similarities that I saw between my work and world here in the U.S. and their work and worlds in South Africa, reminded me of a term that has continued to come up during this course: Ubuntu. We first learned about Ubuntu in class and it struck a chord with me. After that initial introduction to the term, I didn’t think much about it until I read it again on a soda can while in Switzerland. Finally, as soon as I walked into The Backpack Hostel, there was a bag hanging in their shop that had the term on it. Beginning this trip and experience with the term Ubuntu, and its meaning, ingrained in the back of my mind helped to magnify the moments when our similarities outweighed our differences. It also reminded me that we are all connected to one another regardless of our backgrounds or experiences. On the most basic level, we are all human beings with a heart and passion, who are at our own places in our personal Circles of Courage. Being able to remember this helps to bring a bit more humanity and humility to ourselves and the people who we encounter in our lives.

As I have tried to rehash my experiences and learning in South Africa, I find myself struggling to explain the trip as anything more than beautiful, incredible, and life-changing. I think part of that is because it is almost impossible to properly, and completely, explain and describe all of the feelings, moments, and connections that were created during the past two and a half weeks. However, I think the term ubuntuperfectly sums up the most essential parts of my learning in South Africa. I am forever indebted and appreciative to all of the individuals who made this experience possible. This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that has made such an enormous influence on me, and that I know will continue to influence my life.

Ubuntu in Switzerland

Ubuntu

Circle of Courage Beaded Bracelets

The Most Incredible Group of Human Beings

]]>http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/31/ubuntu/feed/0All the Learning. All the Feelings.http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/31/all-the-learning-all-the-feelings/
http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/31/all-the-learning-all-the-feelings/#respondSat, 31 Dec 2016 21:10:21 +0000http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/?p=3500more »]]>All the Learning. All the Feelings.

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

– Maya Angelou

As our course progresses it amazes me how close a group of strangers can become when they spend almost every waking moment with one another. The only downfall to that accelerated, and (semi) forced, closeness, is that you quickly see the many sides of every person; the beautiful, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Along with that, you quickly see the many sides of yourself; the beautiful, the good, the bad, and the ugly. It is uncomfortable and hard to acknowledge all of those sides to yourself and to own up to them. However, as important it is to understand your emotions and triggers, understanding all of your own sides and how they interact with the different sides of others is just as essential and helpful to both your personal and professional lives, and we saw that as we continued on with our time in South Africa.

After our weekend camping in the mountains, we got to strengthen and further our relationships with the South African social workers we were shadowing and working with. Going from a very personal camping trip to shadowing them in a professional setting helped me feel more comfortable in asking questions to better understand what they do and how they do it. The time we spent learning what the social workers in South Africa did was extremely valuable for me. I learned a lot more about their systems and processes, and realized that I do not know a whole lot about the same systems and processes here in the U.S. Going around and trying to find parents and families in some of the roughest townships, with only a first name at times, was an experience that I will never forget. Not only did it teach me about the hardships the children and families (many of whom live in townships) face, but it also taught me about the hardships that the social workers face on a day-to-day basis. Going into these townships without any safety protocols, not knowing what their visit could bring, all to make sure that these children are placed in safe and loving care, showed me how much these social workers care about the youth and their jobs.

As with every other part of our program, the job shadowing experience invoked a lot of different emotions in me. From court hearings, to home visits, to looking for biological parents, to intake assessments, to looking at the overwhelming amount of paperwork and case files; there were feelings of relief, joy, sadness, love, nervousness, frustration, and anxiety. Through all of the emotions and all of the learning, I think my biggest takeaway from the job shadowing part of our trip was how similar our fight for social justice and human rights are. Unfortunately, I don’t think either of our fights have really even begun, but knowing that there are beautiful souls who are fighting the same fight across the world, motivates me to continue on with the work I’m doing. I am forever grateful for all the learning and all the feelings that this trip has provided me with; I know that this will be a lifelong lesson that will continue to be incorporated into my daily personal and professional life.

The Power of Love

Cat, Rabbit, Tortoise

Fighting the good fight, worldwide

Child Welfare Team

]]>http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/31/all-the-learning-all-the-feelings/feed/0Peace and Patience Under the Starlit Skieshttp://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/30/peace-and-patience-under-the-starlit-skies/
http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/30/peace-and-patience-under-the-starlit-skies/#respondFri, 30 Dec 2016 08:22:59 +0000http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/?p=3494more »]]>Peace and Patience Under the Starlit Skies

Camping has always been an enjoyable activity for me. I enjoy being outdoors, away from technology, and focusing on the company of those that I’m with. From day hikes, to cooking together, to heart-to-heart conversations, to simply enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature—there is a lot of intimacy, patience, and peace involved in camping for me, all of which contribute to the joys of the experience.

Split into two groups of 15, for three days and two nights we went backpacking with a group of Educo Africa staff members, South African social workers, and classmates. Although I have camped many times before, this camping trip was quite different from all the rest. Instead of planning the activities and trip with close friends and family, I was at the mercy of Educo Africa staff members whom I had just met not too long ago, camping with 13 individuals whose names I barely remembered. Being uncomfortable and nervous about what was to come was an understatement. There wouldn’t be much privacy during this trip and I am not one to be so open with individuals who I just met. However, the discomfort and nervousness that I felt at the beginning of the trip led to one incredible experience that taught me a lot about the individuals who were very recently strangers to me, as well as a lot about myself.

Being in a new place, going through a new experience, with new people, and no outside distractions around brought out a lot of emotions within individuals. From hiking over rocky terrain with a 20+lb pack, to camping for the first time, to being surrounded by individuals who we really did not know for 36 hours, patience started wearing thin for some and the emotions came out in words and reactions. Being who I am, some of the words and reactions came off in a really negative, disrespectful, and degrading manner to me; really making it difficult for me to completely be myself and enjoy my time in the group. I had to take some of our solo time to dig deeper into what it was about these words and reactions that were triggering the emotions they were in myself. I had to remind myself that I still don’t really know the individuals who I was with and again, the issue of intent versus impact came up while reflecting on certain incidents. Being able to identify these emotions and triggers in myself, helped to create a bit more self-awareness and reminded me that I am a human being with my own emotions and triggers which will come up throughout my professional and personal life. Understanding where those emotions and triggers stem from can only help me better respond, instead of react.

While the getting to know one another and self-reflection times were great, my absolute, most favorite part of it all has always been the view of the beautiful, endless, starlit night sky. Being in the city, the majority of the stars are overridden and hidden by the congestion of our day-to-day routines. Thanks to the wonders of technology, and our reliance upon it, we are distracted and pulled away from the natural lighting that Mother Nature provides. However, no matter where we are in the world, we see the same night sky, reminding me that we are all connected in more ways than one. During our two nights camping, I awoke several times and each time I did, I was amazed at the brightness that the stars provided, in awe of their endless beauty, and lulled back to sleep by the peacefulness and serenity they provided.

Preparing for our weekend in the mountains

Hiking to our campsite

Mother Nature in all its glory and beauty

]]>http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/30/peace-and-patience-under-the-starlit-skies/feed/0Don’t Scratch Where It Does Not Itchhttp://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/22/dont-scratch-where-it-does-not-itch/
http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/22/dont-scratch-where-it-does-not-itch/#respondThu, 22 Dec 2016 18:01:56 +0000http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/?p=3454more »]]>Prior to shadowing at Child Welfare I had never heard the phrase “don’t scratch where it doesn’t not itch”. I heard this phrase made in passing by a co worker of the social worker I was shadowing. She was discussing a case that would soon be closing. The requirement made by the state had been met and she was celebrating that she would be able to close it. She began explaining that the circumstances hadn’t truly changed and that she was sure she would see these clients again it would only be a matter of time before someone else reported them. Someone mentioned a problem the client had that had gone undressed and the social worker merely said “don’t scratch where it does not itch” and laughed. My heart broke a little bit.

It took a couple days for me to process through my initial feelings I could see that I was viewing things through and American lens and was assuming that I knew what the client needed in order to okay. I was being judgmental of the social worker and the way they functioned in their job. I was scared because I understood where this social worker was coming from. It made sense to me that they were completely overwhelmed by their caseload and that having a case close was a relief even if the closure wasn’t reaching a true resolution. I was and remain grateful because in the placements and jobs I have had in America this is not the norm. Overworking and under paying is a hot topic among social workers around the globe, however, all sides are examined by social workers and supervisors at home in order to ascertain that needs are being met whenever possible. This situation is one that stuck with me I think mainly because to me it feels like a demonstration of a broken system. Social workers are joining this profession because they care for others and are concerned about their wellbeing not because they want to close cases. This feels like a perfect example of why macro social work is so necessary and it further demonstrates how intertwined macro and micro really are.

It’s hard to believe it is time to write my last blog. The cold and snow was not as welcoming as I had hoped. As I got off of the plane I was hit with a sadness as I realized my time in South Africa had officially ended.

I am so grateful and privileged to have had this experience. I learned so much about myself and gained new perspective and wisdom about things I thought I already knew. Wow. There were some powerful conversations that will stay with me forever.

The job shadowing portion of the trip was great. It was really interesting being able to learn from social workers in South Africa. It was also interesting seeing the similarities and differences between organizations in America and in South Africa.

Being able to experience the mountains with Educoafrica was so refreshing and inspirational. Backpacking out in the wilderness, sleeping under the stars, and getting in touch with myself was remarkable. I got to know a great group of people and was able to learn from them and share with them. I think Educoafrica does great things for youth in the Western Cape.

I landed last night and have been feeling having “reverse culture shock” if you will. My internal clock is way out of wack and the fatigue is very real. Driving on the right side of the road, well driving in general, had been weird. Also adjusting back to the familiarities of home has felt strange as I look around and find things just how I left them… I think it will take time to adjust.

As I sit on my couch this evening I am remembering the fog rolling over Table Mountain, the warm sun, and the sound of waves crashing on the rocks. I will greatly miss South Africa and will forever treasure the experiences I had on this trip with DU.

Currently, I am a full time student who is completing an internship, working a part time job and consistently completing homework. Therefore, I rarely have the opportunity to embrace self care skills. However, during the wilderness portion of the trip I was provided many opportunities to do some self reflection. During this time I chose to write and reflect upon what I am most thankful for.

Here is what I wrote…

I am thankful for my mother. She is and has always been the fresh air. Pure and Constant. She has given me my mind, hardworking hands, my bubbly spirit and strength.

I am thankful for my father. Though he is a wobbly rock I know in times of need I can stand and balance on his shoulders. He has given me my taste pallet, my sense of adventure and my goofy ways.

I am thankful for my sister. She’s similar to nature. Beautiful and full of wonder. She’s given me my keen since of direction, self determination and self motivation.

I am thankful for my grandmother. She is like the birds song. No matter how far away from home I wander I can always hear her sweet voice of encourage lulling me to push forward.

I am thankful for my bestie Brittany. Similar to wild flowers. She provides me with sporadic bursts of laughter, comfort and joy.

Self reflection time allowed me to not only look closer at my life with peace and tranquility but also allowed me to be reminded of a time when I loved to write poetry. Moreover, I was given the ability to notice all the beauty of the wilderness in that moment of time. One thing I am taking back with me from the wilderness is that I need to allow myself time to self reflect. Along my educational journey I forgot how important self reflection is with regards to self care. Furthermore, I need to take time to be thankful for the many blessings (big and small) I have in my life.

Merely by describing yourself as black you have started on a road towards emancipation, you have committed yourself to fight against all forces that seek to use your blackness as a stamp that marks you out as a subservient being.
-Steve Biko

Upon returning to Denver I pulled up google search to for a Christmas gift. Much to my surprise Google was honoring Steve Biko. During my stay at the Backpack Hostel in Cape Town I had the honor of staying in the Steve Biko suite. However, while in Cape Town I did not dedicate time to discovering the significance of Steve Biko. Upon seeing that Google had honored him I had no choice but to research him and his legacy.

In the 60’s Steve Biko founded the Black Consciousness Movement. This movement was similar to the Black Power revolution in America. Biko felt that blacks in South Africa had to change their perception about being weak and powerless and instead have confidence and take pride in themselves. This change in thinking would help empower blacks and create a more unified and dignified people who were able to fight oppression with a different mentality. Much like the American Black Panthers, Biko felt as though whites should not help in the empowerment and liberation efforts on behalf of blacks. Blacks needed to help one another and grow as a unified group to liberate themselves.

Much like the Black Panther Fred Hampton, Biko was killed at the hands of local police in 1977. Though the BCM had not fully achieved liberation for black people they had at least freed many black minds from the mental shackles of oppression. Hearing this story lets me know that just because my trip to South Africa has concluded, my research on Apartheid in South Africa has only just begun. I love learning about leaders who step up and sacrifice their lives for the empowerment and liberation of others.

]]>http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/19/biko-epilogue/feed/1Tornhttp://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/19/torn/
http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/19/torn/#commentsMon, 19 Dec 2016 03:26:11 +0000http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/?p=3462more »]]>This trip was completely different from what I would or could have expected it to be. It is no secret that group dynamics were a struggle until a couple days before we left so I find it pretty exciting and slightly surprising that I miss our group so much. Coming home and realizing that reintegration is more difficult than I thought it would be has left me craving a discussion with people who understand not only how I’m feeling but are also feeling similar things. Acts of violence occurred to/with people that I love and feel close to. One in Cape Town prior to leaving and another one soon after arriving back home. It is not my place to claim their trauma and that is not my intention. These events seem to have triggered a sense of being out of control regardless of location, place in society, etc.

I’m missing the thoughtful conversation I was able to engage in at my placement, with the professors, and social workers. As much as we teased about processing things to death it was helpful. Learning to view things through a global social work lens was a skill I had minimal prior experience with. It now feels like those connections are obvious. Returning to the political climate in Colorado it is easy to draw parallels between frustrations discussed and highlighted by people of color in both countries. Since I returned home I read a neighborhood discussion about people experiencing homelessness in Denver and it was nearly the exact conversation I had engaged in with a social worker in Cape Town who worked with individuals experiencing homelessness.

This course seems to have really taught me that social issues do not exist in a bubble and are typically global. I also learned that I seem to work best when I am able to reach out to others in order to gain a different perspective. Staying open to feedback and being willing to drop my ego are only a couple of the valuable lessons that I learned in South Africa. I believe that by continuing the relationships formed on this trip I will continue to gain insight into myself and my practice. Through reflective discussions and by being willing to listen to the feedback individuals are willing to give me. South Africa was such a privilege for me as an individual and as a social worker.

]]>http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/19/torn/feed/1Teamworkhttp://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/18/teamwork/
http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/18/teamwork/#respondSun, 18 Dec 2016 21:04:28 +0000http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/?p=3453more »]]>It’s difficult to put sweat, joy, and teamwork into words. The time spent in the Groot Wilderness is beyond description. Our group was comprised of all different, ages, races, nationalities, sexual orientations and genders. Instead of pretending like we were all the same most of us acknowledged the differences and tried to gain a better understanding of others positionality. This was uniquely demonstrated by the honesty and individuals willingness to share where they were at during daily reflections. Celebrations and sorrow were felt by all. When the 66 year old Mama of the group rock climbed for the first time and reached the top you would have thought each individual had just found out they had won the lottery. The emotion and pride felt by the entire group was palpable.

Individually I felt like one of the bigger things I noticed was the burnout that was so prevalent among the South African social workers. Many shared about how tired they were and how so much of their jobs expected and demanded self sacrifice. Self care and burnout is discussed at GSSW frequently, however, seeing something and hearing about it are two very different things. I imaging that this glimpse into burnout is going to inform my practice for many years to come. It is heartbreaking to see it here so clearly. Some of the social workers shared their reasons for becoming social workers and the similarities between their story and my own were undeniable. I had no idea how privileged I am to have so much choice in where I work and how much support I receive from my supervisors in my various placements. I’m so grateful that I am learning about social work in a global setting. This trip is only serving to prove that social work is so similar on a basic level no matter where you are.

]]>http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/18/teamwork/feed/0Politics at Home and Abroadhttp://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/18/politics-at-home-and-abroad/
http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/2016/12/18/politics-at-home-and-abroad/#respondSun, 18 Dec 2016 20:37:36 +0000http://gsswblog.du.edu/globalpractice/?p=3452more »]]>This course has already been so eye opening and it’s only beginning. It’s interesting and disturbing how similar the political climate is between here and home. Zuma the President in South Africa has been compared to Donald Trump multiple times by South Africans and Americans alike.

It’s interesting how the election process works here because voters do not vote for a specific person they vote for a political party who can choose whatever person they see fit. I realize this may sound idealistic but I wish every vote could be counted individually instead of some votes being deemed more important depending on the individual. It’s confusing for me to see that the majority of the population in both of these countries disagree with their leaders.

I was also interested to learn that Zuma has been involved in a rape scandal which is similar to our President elect. In the conversation that I engaged in with a South African social worker regarding this they explained that the girl was young and she “made him (Zuma) go crazy”. Hearing this justification of sexual assault was very difficult. It is indicative to me that normalizing sexual assault is not exclusive to America and is a global problem rather than an American problem. It was painful to come to this realization because this conversation occurred with a social worker. It makes me grateful that social work has progressed and taken a more concrete stance on social justice in all areas. The social worker that I spoke with regarding this was older and had received their education forty years ago. I also have a new appreciation that at home social workers are required to continue furthering their education beyond school in order to maintain their status as a social worker.